With registration now open, Coach & Bus UK – the essential domestic showcase for the UK’s coach, bus, mini/midi vehicles and passenger transport technology sectors, returns to the NEC Birmingham, on 4-5 October, with a new name and branding for 2017.
To more accurately represent the sector it serves, the biennial show has been renamed Coach & Bus UK. This subtle yet significant change (from Coach & Bus Live) ensures the event continues to grow in importance as the leading domestic showcase for the coach, bus and mini-vehicle sectors.
The free-to-attend trade event, supported by its show partner Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), will connect over 6,000 key industry buyers and decision makers with around 200 sector leading exhibitors. They’ll be offering everything from the latest vehicles, accessories and workshop equipment, to IT solutions, legislation updates, and essential business services for the UK market.
Confirmed vehicle manufacturers and dealers to date include: Arriva, AYATS, BASE, EVM, Dawson Rentals, EvoBus (UK), Irizar, Minis to Midis, Mistral, Moseley (PCV), Salvador Caetano, Swansea Coachworks (SA), Volvo and Yutong.
“Coach and Bus UK is already by far one of the most important and effective business events for the sector, and now the new name more accurately reflects the industry and strength of our visitor profile,” says event director, Helen Conway.
“Once again, the support from our partners this year has been phenomenal. We have lots of new ideas, which we are working on, to ensure we create an amazing, totally unmissable two days for this thriving sector,” she says.
The exhibitor list is available to view at www.coachandbusuk.com/visiting/exhibitor-list/. A fully searchable exhibitor list will be available in the summer.
Specialist show features
For 2017, the leading trade magazine for the minicoach and minibus sector, miniplus will host an area dedicated to small and medium PCVs. They’ll be unveiling the latest developments in the mini, midi and accessible vehicle sector – from bespoke luxury builds and community transport vehicles, to safety and access equipment.
It’s set to be the first port of call for local authority planners, operators, stakeholders, and community transport providers looking to refresh their offering and provide improved passenger facilities. Thanks to a new miniplus lounge area, they’ll be able to network and discuss business away from the bustling show floor.
The Theatre, sponsored by SmartDrive Systems
Whilst new vehicles and technologies remains a practical draw for many visitors to the show, The Theatre, sponsored by SmartDrive Systems, will once again provide a broad spectrum of perspectives on the key issues and challenges affecting today’s public transport community from a range of leading industry figures.
Previous topics have included: legislation, the Buses Bill, customer experience, partnerships with local authorities, campaign marketing, world class standards, and the bus and coach workforce.
The full 2017 line-up is due to be unveiled in the coming months.
Free trade registration
Coach & Bus UK – the major domestic showcase for the bus, coach and passenger transport technology sector, returns to the NEC Birmingham on 4-5 October. The prestigious routeone Awards take place on the first night of the show (Wednesday 4 October) in the Monarch Suite at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel.
“Coach & Bus [UK] is the best event in the industry,” says Peter Robinson, operations manager at Stagecoach UK Bus.
“The event showcases new and exciting technologies, and is the perfect environment in which to compare and contrast products and services. Don’t miss it!” says Mark Drury, managing director of Passenger Plus.
“The show for every coach and bus professional,” says Alan Whittington, senior partner, Professional Transport Services.
For more information and to register, please visit www.coachandbusuk.com
